Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Just look at these wonderful Curiosity Cabinets! They were created by Maïssa Toulet, a French artist. I found her work on the amazing French blog Le Divan Fumoir Bohémien. Even though I can't read French, the blog is visually wonderful and worth checking out! Maïssa has a new website up! There are 21 Curiosity Cabinets that you can view up close! Marvels, Wonders, Delights!!!

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

I've added a Raven Claw to my Etsy shop. It turned out nicely I think...so magickal! This poor bird expired by natural causes...but her spirit lives on! The Crow is a creature that has elicited much thought and speculation amongst all indigenous peoples and across many cultures and times. Crows throughout the ages are associated with Magick and Mysticism. Crow is the left-handed guardian. He knows the unknowable mysteries of creation and is the keeper of all sacred law. There are several species of Crow. Raven is one of these and magpies are another. Crow medicine people are masters of illusion. Do not try to figure crow out. It is the power of the unknown at work, and something special is about to happen.

Crow is also the guardian of ceremonial magick and healing. In any healing circle, Crow is present. Crow guides the magick of healing and the change in consciousness that will bring about a new reality and dispel "dis-ease" or illness. Crow can give you the courage to enter the darkness of the unconscious. He is an omen of change. You can rest assure when ever crows are around, magick is near by and you are about to experience a change in lifestyle and consciousness. Crow carries Souls from Darkness into the Light.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

The Alligator has walked on mother Earth for millions of years and are known in many myths and lore as the keepers of ancient wisdom. The eyes of the alligator are positioned high on their head allowing them to remain relatively hidden beneath the water and still see above it. Symbolically this hints to clairvoyant abilities. The power of alligator is its power to survive. They have no known predators. If alligator shows up in your life or in the dreamtime it might be telling you to take care of yourself and secure your basic survival needs. Alligator visits me often in my dreams to share her wisdom. I made this doll to honor her... The dream scenerio is always the same: me trying to make it through the swamp. There have been times when I was exhausted and without a boat. Alligator carried me upon her back. Snake is a friend too. Throughout history the snake has had many legends associated with it linking them to creation, fertility and transformation. Crawling out of its old skin is very significant for those with this medicine. It is a metaphor for how we shed old ways and habits as we grow into higher spiritual energy symbolizing the death and rebirth process. Some might think the Swamp is a perilous place...actually it is very fertile sacred place where one can regenerate. We can find purpose and meaning in the depths of the swamp...and the courage to change.

Friday, May 2, 2008

I'm endlessly inspired by old Wunderkammer and Cabinets of Curiosity...Throughout the Renaissance, the rich collected natural specimens for display in rooms and cabinets called Wunderkamman (Wunderkammern). These collections were precursors of todays museums. The trend continued into the Victorian Era, but science started to demystify the wonders of nature, so the focus turned towards oddities and freaks of nature to invoke awe and wonder. Traveling Wonder Shows (featured things like the legendary Figi Mermaid) and Live Freak Shows soon followed to cash in on this phenomenon.

My own curiosity has led me not only to the exploration of the natural world and oddities, but to the Supernatural world. I'm particularly interested in plant folklore and magickal herbalism. I'm also fascinated with the use of natural materials in creating charms, talismans, amulets, fetishes, ect. I made these pendants below out of old specimen vials. They contain various roots, seeds, bone, ect. collected from different Occult stores and Botanicas. Each one having alleged Supernatural powers. I will be posting about a half dozen more in addition to the ones shown below. Such as graveyard dirt, snakeskin, ect...In addition to the aforementioned, I'll be adding all sorts of other curiosities to my Etsy shop over the next week. Keep your eyes peeled!